Staple Fiber Conductive Fabric

ABSTRACT

A fabric for protecting a wearer thereof from an energy weapon. The fabric is made of a plurality of coupled strands. Each strand is made from staple fibers. At least 30% of the staple fibers are an electrically conductive material for conducting electric current from an energy weapon that contacts or is adjacent to the fabric.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a fabric and, more particularly, to afabric for protecting a wearer thereof from an energy weapon.

2. Description of Related Art

There are many different types of protection devices which are used bylaw enforcement agents, military personnel, security guards, and othersto prevent incapacitation or death during performance of their jobs. Forexample, there are “bullet-proof” vests which typically provideprotection from bullets with ballistic panels constructed from highstrength fibers such as aramid or polyethylene. These vests may alsoinclude metal and/or ceramic plates for protection from blunt forcetrauma and high velocity projectiles. Helmets and hand-held shields arealso made from ballistic resistant material for protection fromballistic missiles. There are also garments manufactured from heatresistant materials such as NOMEX® aramid, which protect individualssuch as firefighters and race car drivers during performance of theirjobs.

There are also devices that provide protection from energy weapons suchas TASER® weapons manufactured by TASER International, Inc.,“stun-guns,” and other electrical pulse-based assault devices. TASER®weapons typically have two explosive-propelled barbs and a wireconnecting each barb to a power source within a hand-held housing. Whenthe barbs embed in a target, the target's body completes the electriccircuit between the barbs and rapid, high voltage, low current electricpulses are delivered to the target from the power source, thusincapacitating the target. A “stun-gun” operates similarly, but insteadof explosive propelled barbs, a “stun-gun” typically has a housing withtwo electrical leads projecting slightly from the housing. Thus, a“stun-gun” operator must be in close proximity to incapacitate a target.

One type of energy weapon protection device comprises a garment havingtwo insulating panels sandwiching a conductive panel. When the barbs orleads of an energy weapon contact this device, electric current flowsthrough the conductive panel of the protective device instead of throughthe target wearing the device. Thus, the device protects the target fromincapacitation typically caused by an energy weapon.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a fabric for protecting awearer thereof from an energy weapon. The fabric comprises a pluralityof coupled strands, which are preferably woven or knit, however, it iswithin the scope of the invention for the strands to be coupled in anymanner. Each of the strands has a first, electrically non-conductive,fiber and a second, electrically conductive, fiber which is at leastpartially enclosed by the first fiber. The second fiber conductselectric current from an energy weapon when the leads of the energyweapon contact, or are adjacent to, the fabric, thus protecting a wearerof the fabric from the energy weapon. The fabric is easy to manufacturebecause the strands may be joined in any conventional manner, such asweaving or knitting. Further, the coupled strands may be easilyintegrated into a garment. For example, the strands may be joined to theouter surface of a ballistic missile resistant vest, or as a liner tothe inner surface of a glove or shirt.

In a preferred embodiment, a third fiber made from an electricallynon-conductive material is intertwined with the first fiber. The secondelectrically conductive fiber is at least partially enclosed by thecombination of the first and third fibers. The first and third fibersmay be made from any electrically non-conductive material, includingheat resistant or penetration resistant materials and materials thatpromote moisture wicking. It is within the scope of the invention foreach strand to have any number of fibers, and for each strand to beconstructed from fibers of different materials.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, an energyweapon protection fabric comprises a plurality of coupled strands, eachof which comprises coupled staple fibers. At least 30% of the staplefibers are electrically conductive for conducting electric current froman energy weapon when the leads of the energy weapon contact, or areadjacent to, the fabric, thus protecting a wearer of the fabric from theenergy weapon. The staple fibers may be coupled by any means known inthe art, such as ring spinning, open-end or rotor spinning, and frictionspinning. Additionally, the strands present may be coupled by any meansknown in the art, including weaving or knitting. Before the presentinvention it was believed that continuous electrically conductivematerial was necessary to effectively protect a wearer from an energyweapon. With the present invention it was discovered that discontinuouselectrically conductive staple fibers may be coupled together withnon-electrically conductive staple fibers in the ratios specified hereinto protect a wearer from an energy weapon. This discovery significantlyreduces the cost of producing energy weapon protection fabrics andgarments versus previous embodiments requiring continuous electricallyconductive fibers.

In another embodiment, an energy weapon protection glove comprises afirst, middle layer of fabric, a second, outer fabric layer joined withand enclosing the first fabric layer, and a third, inner fabric layerjoined with and enclosed by the first fabric layer. The first, middlefabric layer is knit from strands of material containing electricallyconductive fibers. Each strand comprises at least three plies. Each ofthe plies comprises at least 30% electrically conductive staple fibers,more preferably at least 50% electrically conductive staple fibers, andmost preferably at least 60% electrically conductive staple fibers. Theelectrically conductive staple fibers conduct electric current from anenergy weapon. Each of the plies may be coupled by any means known inthe art, including by twisting with an S- or Z-twist. The second, outerfabric layer is made from electrically non-conductive material. Thethird, inner fabric layer is made from knit strands of material thatcontain at least 10% electrically conductive staple fibers andpreferably at least a portion of elastic material. Most preferably, thestrands of the third layer comprise at least 15% electrically conductivestaple fibers. The elastic material of the third layer ensures thatthere are no gaps in the electrically conductive material of the first,middle layer, and the electrically conductive staple fibers of the thirdlayer ensure that there is a sufficient amount of electricallyconductive fibers in contact with each other to conduct the electriccurrent of an energy weapon.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an energy weaponprotection garment for protecting a wearer's torso comprises first andsecond layers of fabric joined together. The first, outer layer offabric comprises knit strands of material containing electricallyconductive staple fibers. Each strand comprises at least three plies.Each of the plies comprises at least 30% electrically conductive staplefibers, more preferably at least 50% electrically conductive staplefibers, and most preferably at least 60% electrically conductive staplefibers. The electrically conductive staple fibers conduct electriccurrent from an energy weapon. The second, inner layer of fabric is madefrom electrically non-conductive material.

In accordance with another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, a ballistic missile resistant vest comprises an electricallynon-conductive outer shell, which encloses a layer of energy weaponprotection fabric and a layer of ballistic missile resistant material.The energy weapon protection fabric has a rear surface adjacent to theballistic missile resistant material and a front surface adjacent to theouter shell. The energy weapon protection fabric comprises a pluralityof woven strands. Each of the strands comprises at least 30%electrically conductive staple fibers, and most preferably comprises atleast 40% electrically conductive staple fibers.

Additional aspects of the invention, together with the advantages andnovel features appurtenant thereto, will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learnedfrom the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of theinvention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalitiesand combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a vest according to the present inventionprotecting the wearer thereof from the electric current generated by anenergy weapon;

FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away view of the vest of FIG. 1 showing an outerlayer and a liner of the vest;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the vest of FIG. 1 showingenergy weapon barbs penetrating the vest;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a strand of the liner of thevest of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a fabric according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a pictorial view of a ballistic missile resistant vestaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the vest of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a strand of fabric according toan alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a strand of fabric according toanother alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a strand of fabric according toanother alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a pictorial view of a glove according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 12 is a detail view of a portion of the knit liner of the glove ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a detail view of a portion of the woven liner of the vest ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 14A is a detail view of a portion of a ply of a strand of fabricconstructed from staple fibers in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the ply of FIG. 14A taken alongthe line 14B-14B;

FIG. 15 is a detail view of a portion of energy weapon protection fabricwoven from strands made from plies of staple fibers such as shown inFIG. 14A;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an alternativeembodiment of ballistic missile resistant vest containing the wovenfabric of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a detail view of a strand of fabric containing three pliesmade from staple fibers such as shown in FIG. 14A;

FIG. 18 is a pictorial view of an energy weapon protection shirt knitfrom strands of fabric such as shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of the shirt of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a pictorial view of an energy weapon protection glove knitfrom strands of fabric such as shown in FIG. 17; and

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the glove of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A vest according to one aspect of the present invention is indicatedgenerally as 10 in FIG. 1. Vest 10 is worn upon the torso 12 of a wearer14 for protecting the wearer from an energy weapon 16. Energy weapon 16may be any type of energy weapon known in the art including “stun-guns”and devices manufactured by TASER International, Inc. headquartered inScottsdale, Ariz. Vest 10 may also protect wearer 14 from heat orpenetration from a ballistic missile such as a bullet or cuttinginstrument such as a knife. Preferably, vest 10 also wicks moisture fromwearer 14. While FIG. 1 shows a vest, any type of garment configured toprotect the wearer from an energy weapon is within the scope of thepresent invention including, but not limited to, gloves, shirts,undergarments, overcoats, pants, hats, and helmets. Further, theinvention is not limited to a garment, and may consist of any of theprotective fabrics described herein.

Looking now to FIG. 2, vest 10 has an outer layer 18 and an inner layer,or liner, 20. Preferably, outer layer 18 is constructed from a firstfabric and liner 20 is constructed from a second fabric, although it iswithin the scope of the invention for the outer layer and liner to beconstructed from the same fabric. Preferably, outer layer 18 is madefrom a lightweight, breathable, and heat resistant material. Outer layer18 is preferably made from cotton, but may be made from any materialincluding but not limited to nylon, wool, polyester, polyamide, aramid,polypropylene, olefin, or any blend thereof. Additionally, it is withinthe scope of the invention for the outer layer 18 to be coated with amaterial to improve its heat resistance or resistance to electriccurrent. As shown in FIG. 3, outer layer 18 has a front surface 22 and arear surface 24, and liner 20 has a front surface 26 and a rear surface28, which is adjacent the torso of wearer 14. Preferably liner 20 isstitched to outer layer 18 along seams thereof, although the liner andouter layer may be joined by any means known in the art includingadhesive.

Referring now to FIG. 13, liner 20 is woven by threading a weft strand30 a over and under alternating parallel warp strands 30 b forming aweave commonly known as a plain weave. Weft strand 30 a loops around thewarp strands 30 b at the sides of the fabric before threading backthrough the warp strands above the previous row formed by the weftstrand. Although only one weft strand 30 a is shown, it is within thescope of the invention for the liner 20 to be woven with a plurality ofvertically spaced weft strands. Further, although liner 20 is shown as aplain weave, it is within the scope of the invention for the liner to beany type of weave known in the art including basket, twill, or satin.Although liner 20 is preferably woven from strands 30 a and 30 b, theliner 20 may also be knit from strands, such as strands 30 a and 30 b,or constructed by any other means known in the art for coupling strands.

Referring now to FIG. 4, strand 30 a has intertwined first, second, andthird fibers 32, 34, and 36 respectively. Although strand 30 b is shownin FIG. 13 with a smaller diameter than strand 30 a, it is within thescope of the invention for the strands to be the same diameter or forstrand 30 b to have a larger diameter than strand 30 a. Strand 30 bpreferably has the same construction as strand 30 a and thus will not bediscussed separately, however, it is within the scope of the inventionfor strands 30 a and 30 b to be formed from a different number of fibersor to be formed from different types of fibers. Additionally, it iswithin the scope of the invention for each of the warp and weft strands30 a and 30 b, if more than one, to have a different construction.Intertwined first and third fibers 32 and 36 in combination enclosesecond fiber 34. Although first and third fibers 32 and 36 are shownenclosing second fiber 34, it is within the scope of the invention for aportion of second fiber 34 to be exposed such that first and thirdfibers 32 and 36 at least partially enclose second fiber 34. First andthird fibers 32 and 36 are electrically non-conductive, while secondfiber 34 is electrically conductive.

Preferably, first and third fibers 32 and 36 are cotton and polyesterrespectively, although it is within the scope of the invention for thefirst and third fibers to be any electrically non-conductive fiber suchas nylon, polyester, polypropylene, olefin, wool, an aromatic polyamidefiber, commonly known as an aramid fiber, or any other type ofelectrically non-conductive fiber known in the art. In one embodiment ofthe present invention, in order to provide a penetration resistant liner20, which can provide protection from ballistic missiles and/or cuttinginstruments, either or each of first and third fibers 32 and 36 isaramid formed from poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide, which is soldunder the trade name KEVLAR® by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company(“DuPont”), or high-strength polyethylene fiber sold under the tradename SPECTRA® by Honeywell International Inc. In order to provide a heatresistant liner 20, either or each of first and third fibers 32 and 36is aramid formed from poly(meta-phenyleneisophthalamide), which is soldunder the trade name NOMEX® by DuPont. In order to provide a penetrationresistant and heat resistant liner 20, first fiber 32 is a high strengthfiber such as KEVLAR® aramid or SPECTRA® polyethylene, while third fiber36 is a heat resistant fiber such as NOMEX® aramid. In order to providea moisture wicking liner 20, either or each of first and third fibers 32and 36 may be polyester. First fiber 32 may be a moisture wicking fibersuch as polyester, while third fiber 36 is a high strength fiber such asKEVLAR® aramid or SPECTRA® polyethylene, or a heat resistant fiber suchas NOMEX® aramid. Preferably, electrically conductive second fiber 34 isstainless steel, although it is within the scope of the invention forthe fiber to be any electrically conductive material such as carbonfiber, copper, aluminum, or any blend or alloy thereof.

The majority of front and rear surfaces 26 and 28 of liner 20, shown inFIG. 3, are electrically non-conductive because electricallynon-conductive first and third fibers 32 and 36 enclose electricallyconductive second fiber 34, shown in FIG. 4. However, it is within thescope of the invention for portions of front and rear surfaces 26 and 28to be electrically conductive if second fiber 34 is not completelyenclosed by first and third fibers 32 and 36. Rear surface 28 ispreferably electrically non-conductive to protect wearer 14 fromelectric current conducted by second fiber 34 and the heat generatedtherefrom. Front surface 26 is preferably electrically non-conductive toprotect liner 20 and the wearer thereof from electric current if theliner 20 is inadvertently exposed to electric current from a powersource such as a battery.

As shown in FIG. 3, energy weapon 16 has two leads 38 and 40 joined tothe ends of electrically conductive wires 42 and 44. Wires 42 and 44 areelectrically joined to a power source (not shown) that is operable togenerate a voltage differential between the two wires. Barbs 46 and 48are joined to leads 38 and 40 for penetrating the clothing of a targetof the energy weapon 16. Energy weapon 16 has a similar configuration asany of the devices currently sold under the trade name TASER® by TASERInternational, Inc. Although energy weapon 16 is shown with wires,leads, and barbs, it is within the scope of the invention for vest 10 toprotect wearer 14 from an energy weapon such as a “stun-gun” (notshown), which typically comprises a housing, two leads extendingslightly from the surface of the housing, a power source such as abattery electrically connected to the leads, and a trigger operable togenerate a voltage differential between the leads. Vest 10 protectswearer 14 from the incapacitating effects of a “stun-gun” (not shown) inthe same manner as described below with respect to energy weapon 16.

Typically, when both leads of energy weapon 16 simultaneously contact,or are adjacent to, a target, the target completes the electric circuitallowing current to flow from the power source of the weapon, throughone lead, through the target, through the other lead, and back to thepower source. The electric current temporarily incapacitates the target.Vest 10 protects the target of energy weapon 16, because electriccurrent flows through at least one of the electrically conductive secondfibers 34 within strands 30 a and 30 b instead of flowing through thetarget. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, when energy weapon 16 is deployedagainst the wearer of vest 10, barbs 46 and 48 penetrate liner 20. Ifthe energy weapon generates a voltage differential between wires 42 and44, then the electric current will flow from the power source (notshown) of the energy weapon through wire 42 and barb 46, through atleast one electrically conductive second fiber 34 of liner 20, throughbarb 48 and wire 44, and then back to the power source (not shown).Because each electrically conductive second fiber 34 within liner 20 hasa much lower resistance to electric current than a human body, theelectric current flows through at least one electrically conductivesecond fiber within liner 20 even if barbs 46 and 48 completelypenetrate liner 20 and are in direct contact with wearer 14.

Vest 10 protects wearer 14 from an energy weapon, and incapacitationcaused therefrom, even if only one lead of the energy weapon contactsthe vest, or is directly adjacent the vest, while the other leadcontacts wearer 14, or is directly adjacent the wearer. In thissituation, electric current flows from the power source (not shown)through the lead of the energy weapon in direct contact with, ordirectly adjacent, wearer 14. Then, the current flows through theportion of the wearer between the energy lead in contact with the wearerand vest 10 until reaching at least one electrically conductive secondfiber 34 of liner 20. Finally, the current flows through the lead of theenergy weapon in direct contact with, or directly adjacent vest 10, andback to the power source (not shown). Even though electric current flowsthrough a portion of wearer 14, vest 10 minimizes the amount of wearer'sbody exposed to electric current and thus greatly reduces anyincapacitation caused by the energy weapon. It should also beappreciated that the electric current may flow in the opposite directionas described above.

Vest 10 also protects wearer 14 even if barbs 46 and 48 of energy weapon16 do not make direct contact with the liner 20, but instead are onlynear or adjacent the liner. For example, if barbs 46 and 48 onlypartially penetrate outer layer 18, electric current will arc from eachof the barbs through the remainder of outer layer 18 and electricallynon-conductive front surface 26 of the liner to reach at least oneelectrically conductive second fiber 34 within liner 20. Likewise, if astun-gun is activated adjacent vest 10, electric current will arc fromeach lead of the stun gun through the electrically non-conductive outerlayer 18 and front surface 26 to reach at least one electricallyconductive second fiber 34 within liner 20. Thus, vest 10 preventswearer 14 from incapacitation caused by the electric current of energyweapon 16, or a “stun-gun” (not shown). Preferably, vest 10 is operableto protect wearer 14 from an energy weapon capable of generating up totwenty-six watts of power.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, outer layer 18 and liner 20 preferablyeach have a thickness of approximately one-sixteenth of an inch, or athickness approximately equal to a typical shirt or sweatshirt.Preferably, liner 20 has a weight per area of approximately 100 to 250grams per square meter, and most preferably between 150 to 200 grams persquare meter, although it is within the scope of the invention for theliner to have any weight per area. This relatively high density weaveensures that if energy weapon 16 is deployed on a wearer 14 of vest 10,the barbs 46 and 48 of the energy weapon will contact, or be adjacentto, the electrically conductive fibers 34 of multiple strands 30 a and30 b within liner 20. Liner 20 is preferably woven, as shown in FIG. 13,as opposed to knit, because vest 10 need not be flexible, as most knitfabrics are, to comfortably fit wearer 14, and to reduce the percentageby weight of electrically conductive fibers. Woven fabrics require alesser percentage by weight of electrically conductive fibers versuselectrically non-conductive fibers than knit fabrics in order toeffectively protect wearer 14 from energy weapon 16. It is within thescope of the invention however for liner 20 to be knit from strands suchas strand 30 a, shown in FIG. 4, in the manner shown in FIG. 12 anddescribed below. Preferably, the electrically conductive second fiber 34of each of strands 30 a and 30 b in combination is approximately 25-45%of the weight of liner 20, and most preferably approximately 30% of theweight of the liner.

Although vest 10 is shown with an outer layer 18 and a liner 20, thevest need not have an outer layer 18 to effectively protect wearer 14from energy weapon 16. Although strand 30 a is shown with twointertwined fibers 32 and 36 enclosing second fiber 34, the strand mayhave any number of fibers enclosing second fiber 34, including one fiberas shown in the alternative embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9 and describedbelow, or three fibers as shown in the alternative embodiment of FIG. 10and described below.

Looking now to FIG. 5, a fabric 50 according to one embodiment of thepresent invention is constructed from a plurality of joined strands,such as strand 30 a shown in FIG. 4, preferably joined in a weave orknit. Like liner 20 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4, eachstrand of fabric 50 contains at least one electrically conductive fiber,such as fiber 34 shown in FIG. 4, which protect a wearer thereof from anenergy weapon in the same manner as described above in connection withliner 20 of vest 10, and at least one electrically non-conductive fiberat least partially enclosing the electrically conductive fiber. Fabric50 has a front surface 52 and a rear surface 54 which are preferablyelectrically non-conductive although it is within the scope of theinvention for either or both of the front and rear surfaces 52 and 54 tobe electrically conductive. Fabric 50 may be incorporated into oraffixed to any type of wearable garment, such as gloves, shirts, pants,overcoats, hats, helmets, body armor vests, and undergarments, or fabric50 may be sewn as a patch onto any type of wearable garment such asthose previously described. Additionally, fabric 50 may be used in anydesirable manner to protect a human or animal from an energy weapon. Thefibers of each strand of fabric 50 may be constructed with any of thematerials described above with respect to liner 20. Further, each strandmay have any number of fibers, and the strands of fabric 50 may bejoined in any manner known in the art including weaving or knitting.Each strand of fabric 50 may also be constructed from different numbersof fibers or different types of fibers. Fabric 50 may also be identicalto liner 20 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a body armor vest according to oneaspect of the present invention is shown generally as 200. As shown inFIG. 7, vest 200 has an armor carrier 202 enclosing armor 204.Preferably, armor carrier 202 has an opening (not shown) for insertingand removing armor 204 therefrom. Preferably, a zipper or hook and loopfasteners (not shown) are joined to carrier 202 adjacent the opening(not shown) for securing the armor 204 within the carrier. Carrier 202is preferably constructed from a lightweight, durable, flexible,breathable fabric. Carrier 202 is preferably constructed from nylon, butmay be constructed from any material including but not limited tocotton, wool, polyester, polyamide, aramid, olefin, any blend thereof,or any other suitable material. Further, carrier 202 may be coated witha material to improve the heat resistance or electrical resistance ofthe carrier.

Armor 204 is preferably constructed from a lightweight materialresistant to penetration from a ballistic missile and cutting instrumentsuch as KEVLAR® aramid or SPECTRA® polyethylene. Carrier 202 has aninner surface 206, which is adjacent a wearer (not shown) of the vest,and an outer surface 208. Fabric 50, described above in connection withFIG. 5, is joined to outer surface 208 of carrier 202 via stitching 210a, 210 b, 210 c, and 210 d and to inner surface 206 of carrier 202 viastitching 212 a, 212 b, 212 c, and 212 d. Although fabric 50 is shownjoined to carrier 202 with stitching, it is within the scope of theinvention for the fabric to be joined to the carrier using any meansknown in the art. Fabric 50 has a front surface 52 and a rear surface54, which is adjacent outer surface 208 of carrier 202.

As described above with respect to FIG. 5, front and rear surfaces 52and 54 of fabric 50 are preferably electrically non-conductive andfabric 50 contains electrically conductive fibers, such as fiber 34 ofstrand 30, shown in FIG. 4, which protect a wearer of vest 200 from anenergy weapon. As shown in FIG. 7, fabric 50 covers the entire outersurface 208 of carrier 202 to protect a wearer of vest 200 from anenergy weapon, such as energy weapon 16 described above and shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, or a “stun-gun” as described above. Fabric 50 coversouter surface 208, as opposed to covering inner surface 206, so theelectric current from an energy weapon contacting, or adjacent to, vest200 need not arc through carrier 202 and armor 204 to reach fabric 50.Electric current arcing through carrier 202 and armor 204 couldundesirably raise the temperature of vest 200. Fabric 50 covers aportion of the inner surface 206 of carrier 202 so that a portion offabric 50 is adjacent a wearer of the vest. It is desirable to have aportion of fabric 50 adjacent the wearer of the vest in the situationwhere one lead of an energy weapon directly contacts or is adjacent thewearer and the other lead directly contacts or is adjacent the vest. Inthis scenario, electric current from the energy weapon can flow from thelead contacting the wearer, through the wearer and into the portion offabric 50 adjacent the wearer without arcing through carrier 202 andarmor 204. Fabric 50 only covers a portion of the inner surface 206 ofcarrier 202 to minimize the capacitance of vest 200. If vest 200 has ahigh capacitance, then electric charge stored by the vest couldundesirably discharge and potentially harm a wearer thereof.

Although in the preferred embodiment of vest 200, fabric 50 only coversthe outer surface 208 of the carrier 202, it is within the scope of theinvention for fabric 50 to only cover the inner surface 206 of thecarrier 202 in spite of the potential for electric current arcingthrough carrier 202 and armor 204, or for the fabric 50 to cover boththe inner and outer surfaces 206 and 208 of the carrier in spite of thepotential capacitive effect of such a construction. Additionally, it iswithin the scope of the invention for fabric 50 to only cover the outersurface 208 of carrier 202 without having any portion of the fabricadjacent the inner surface 206 of the carrier. Further, it is within thescope of the invention for patches of fabric 50 to be discretely joinedto either or both of the inner and outer surfaces 206 and 208 of carrier202 for protecting a wearer of the vest from an energy weapon.Preferably, fabric 50, when joined to a body armor vest as in FIGS. 6and 7, comprises woven strands such as strands 30 a and 30 b shown inFIGS. 4 and 13. Each strand preferably includes two electricallynon-conductive fibers intertwined with one electrically conductive fibersuch as strand 30 a shown in FIG. 4. The two electrically non-conductivefibers are preferably a blend of polyester and cotton, which improve thedurability of the fabric when the fabric is repeatedly exposed tocleaning products.

Looking now to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of strand 100 has afirst fiber 102 encircling and enclosing a second fiber 104. First fiber102 is preferably constructed from any of the electricallynon-conductive materials described above in connection with strand 30 a,and second fiber 104 is preferably constructed from any of theelectrically conductive materials described above in connection withstrand 30 a. Strand 100 may replace either of strands 30 a and 30 b inthe construction of liner 20, shown in FIGS. 1-4, or any of the strandsof fabric 50 shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of strand 150 which may replaceeither of strands 30 a and 30 b in the construction of liner 20, shownin FIGS. 1-4, or any of the strands of fabric 50 shown in FIG. 5. Strand150 has a first fiber 152 with a hollow core, and a second fiber 154positioned within the hollow core of first fiber 152. First fiber 152 ispreferably constructed from any of the electrically non-conductivematerials described above in connection with strand 30 a, and secondfiber 154 is preferably constructed from any of the electricallyconductive materials described above in connection with strand 30 a.

Looking now to FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment of strand 250 hasthree intertwined fibers 252, 254, and 256 which in combination enclosea fourth fiber 258. Fibers 252, 254, and 256 are preferably constructedfrom any of the electrically non-conductive materials described above inconnection with strand 30 a, and fiber 258 is preferably constructedfrom any of the electrically conductive materials described above inconnection with strand 30 a. In one embodiment of strand 250, fiber 252is a heat resistant material such as NOMEX® aramid, fiber 254 is amaterial that promotes moisture wicking such as polyester, fiber 256 isa ballistic missile and penetration resistant material such as KEVLAR®aramid or SPECTRA® polyethylene, and fiber 258 is an electricallyconductive material such as stainless steel. Strand 250 may replaceeither of strands 30 a and 30 b in the construction of liner 20, shownin FIGS. 1-4, or any of the strands of fabric 50 shown in FIG. 5.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a glove according to an alternative embodimentof the present invention is indicated generally as 300. Glove 300 has anouter layer 302 and an inner layer or liner 304. Outer layer 302 ispreferably knit from a material such as cotton or wool, however it iswithin the scope of the invention for outer layer 302 to be woven andfor the outer layer to be constructed from any material such as nylon,polyester, polyamide, aramid, polypropylene, or olefin. Outer layer 302and inner layer 304 are preferably joined by stitching (not shown)although it is within the scope of the invention for the two layers tobe joined by any means known in the art. Inner layer 304 is preferablyknit from a plurality of identical strands 306, as shown in FIG. 12,however it is within the scope of the invention for the inner layer 304to be woven or made from non-identical strands. Each strand 306 of innerlayer 304 is preferably constructed in the same manner as strand 30 a,shown in FIG. 4, but may also be constructed like strands 100, 150, or250 shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 respectively and described above.Preferably, the electrically non-conductive fibers are cotton to improvethe comfort of glove 300, however it is within the scope of theinvention for the electrically non-conductive fibers to be any of thefibers discussed above in connection with liner 20, shown in FIGS. 1-4.Likewise, it is within the scope of the invention for the electricallyconductive fibers to be any of the fibers discussed above in connectionwith liner 20.

Liner 304 has a weight per area of approximately 250 to 300 grams persquare meter, and most preferably 287 grams per square meter. Liner 304is preferably knit, as opposed to woven, because a glove is preferablyflexible in order to fit comfortably upon the hand of a wearer thereof.A liner according to the present invention constructed for a sock wouldalso preferably be knit for the increased flexibility over that of awoven fabric. Preferably, the electrically conductive fibers of liner304 are approximately 30 to 50% of the weight of the liner, and mostpreferably approximately 40% of the weight of the liner. Theelectrically conductive fibers for a knit liner according to the presentinvention preferably represent a greater percentage of the weight of agarment according to the present invention than a woven liner becausethe spacing between the adjacent strands 306 of a knit fabric, shown inFIG. 12, is typically greater than the spacing between the adjacentstrands 30 a and 30 b of a woven fabric, shown in FIG. 13. Therefore, itis desirable to have larger electrically conductive fibers in a knitfabric to ensure that if an energy weapon is deployed on a wearer of theknit fabric, then the leads of the energy weapon will contact multipleelectrically conductive fibers within the liner.

In operation, a user dons vest 10, fabric 50, vest 200, or glove 300,shown in FIGS. 1, 5, 6, and 11 respectively, for protection from anenergy weapon, such as weapon 16, shown in FIG. 1. If the user issubjected to a voltage differential between the two leads 38 and 40 ofthe energy weapon, shown in FIG. 3, then the electrically conductivefiber 34 of each strand 30 a and 30 b of vest 10, the electricallyconductive fibers of fabric 50, the electrically conductive fibers ofvest 200, or the electrically conductive fibers of strands 306 of glove300 conduct the electric current flowing from one lead of the energyweapon to the other lead of the energy weapon. Because the combinationof the electrically conductive fibers within the vest 10, fabric 50,vest 200, or glove 300 has a much lower electrical resistance than ahuman body, no electrical current flows through the wearer of the vest,fabric, or glove.

Further, as described above, even if only one barb 46 or 48 of energyweapon 16 contacts or is adjacent the vest, fabric, or glove, while theother barb 46 or 48 contacts or is directly adjacent the target of theweapon, electric current will flow from the barb contacting or adjacentthe target through the portion of the target between the barb and thevest 10, fabric 50, vest 200, or glove 300. Then the current flows intothe electrically conductive fibers of the vest, fabric, or glove, andinto the barb adjacent the vest, fabric, or glove. Thus, vest 10, fabric50, vest 200, or glove 300 minimizes the incapacitating effect of anenergy weapon by minimizing the distance that electric current flowsthrough the target's body before the electric current reaches theconductive fibers of the vest, fabric, or glove. It is within the scopeof the invention for vest 10, fabric 50, vest 200, or glove 300 toprotect the wearer thereof from both penetrating energy weapons, such asweapon 16 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and non-penetrating energy weapons(not shown), such as a device described above and typically referred toas a “stun-gun.”

Vest 10, fabric 50, vest 200, and glove 300, when fabricated with heatresistant fibers, penetration resistant fibers, or fibers that promotemoisture wicking also protect the wearer thereof from heat, a ballisticmissile such as a bullet, a knife, and provide increased comfort to thewearer by wicking away perspiration. Further, armor 204 of vest 200provides increased protection to the wearer thereof from penetrationfrom a ballistic missile or cutting instrument.

Staple Fiber Conductive Fabrics

Referring now to FIGS. 14A and 14B, a ply of thread made from staplefibers according to an alternative embodiment of the present inventionis shown generally as 400. The ply 400 of staple fibers comprises bothelectrically conductive fibers such as fiber 402 and non-electricallyconductive fibers such as fiber 404. The ply 400 is an elongate threadof staple fibers coupled by any manner known in the art. For example,the staple fibers may be coupled by ring spinning, open-end spinning,rotor spinning, friction spinning, core spinning, or adhesive.Additionally, the staple fibers making up ply 400 may undergo any othersteps that are known in the textile arts for making fabric from staplefibers. For example, the electrically conductive and non-electricallyconductive fibers may be mixed and blended, washed, combed, carded,drawn, and drafted before being spun or twisted into staple fiber ply400.

As discussed below, the ply 400 may be coupled or twisted with otherplies or strands of twisted plies in any manner such as weaving andknitting to form fabric. For example, FIG. 15 shows ply 400 woven withother identical plies in a conventional weave pattern to form fabric410. Additionally, ply 400 may be knit with other identical plies toform a knit fabric. For example, plies such as ply 400 could be usedinstead of the strands 306 shown in FIG. 12 to form a knit fabric asshown in FIG. 12. Preferably, if ply 400 is used in a knit fabric, thenthe ply 400 is first twisted with other identical plies into a strand500 as shown in FIG. 17. Strand 500 shown in FIG. 17 is a three plytwisted strand made of three identical plies like ply 400 of FIG. 14A.To make strand 500 the plies 400 may be twisted in any manner known inthe art including with a Z- or S-twist. Strands such as strand 500 maybe used instead of the strands 306 shown in FIG. 12 to form a knitfabric as shown in FIG. 12. It should be understood that the plies andstrands of the present invention may be woven or knit with any patternin addition to the conventional knit and weave patterns shown in FIGS.12 and 15, respectively. Additionally, it should be understood that thethree ply strand 500 of FIG. 17 is exemplary only and a strand havingany number of plies coupled together in any manner may be used inaccordance with the present invention. Further, the strand 500 of FIG.17 may be doubled or tripled by being twisted with other identicalstrands 500 before being woven or knit into a fabric.

The fabric formed with ply 400 or strand 500 in accordance with thepresent invention may be formed into any type of garment such as gloves,socks, undergarments, shirts, pants, vests, jackets, overcoats, hats,helmets, and any other type of garment described herein. Theelectrically conductive staple fibers 402 within each ply 400 making upa garment in accordance with the present invention are operable toconduct the electric current from an energy weapon and protect a wearerof the garment from the effects of an energy weapon. The electricallyconductive staple fibers 402 are configured to conduct an electriccurrent from an energy weapon that is adjacent to the fibers 402 in asimilar manner as the electrically conductive material of vest 10described above. Ply 400 differs from strand 30 a of vest 10, shown inFIG. 4 and described above, because ply 400 comprises electricallyconductive staple fibers, while strand 30 a comprises a continuouselectrically conductive fiber 34. As is well known in the textile arts,staple fibers typically have a length of between approximately 0.25inches to approximately 20 inches. Any length of staple fibers may beused for the garments in accordance with the present invention.Preferably, however, the staple fibers have a length betweenapproximately 0.4 to 10 inches, more preferably a length betweenapproximately 0.4 to 6 inches, and most preferably a length betweenapproximately 0.4 to 2.5 inches. The staple fibers used in garmentsaccording to the present invention may also have any diameter. Toprotect a wearer of a garment made from plies such as ply 400 from anenergy weapon, electric current flows from one lead of the energy weaponto the other lead through a chain of adjacent electrically conductivestaple fibers within the garment.

The ply 400 shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B comprises at least 30%electrically conductive staple fibers 402 to ensure that enoughelectrically conductive staple fibers contact or are adjacent to eachother to conduct the current from an energy weapon, more preferably atleast 50% electrically conductive staple fibers 402, and most preferablyat least 60% electrically conductive staple fibers. As discussed below,for different types of fabric and garments the preferable percentage ofelectrically conductive staple fibers may vary. The electricallyconductive staple fibers 402 are preferably stainless steel; however, itis within the scope of the invention for the electrically conductivestaple fibers 402 to be any material including any of the electricallyconductive materials described above. The electrically non-conductivestaple fibers may be any type of material including any of thenon-electrically conductive materials described above. The discovery ofthe present invention that electrically conductive staple fibers can bemixed with non-electrically conductive staple fibers in the ratiosspecified herein to protect a wearer from an energy weapon significantlyreduces the cost of producing energy weapon protection fabrics andgarments versus previous embodiments having continuous electricallyconductive fibers.

Some of the non-electrically conductive fibers 404 may comprise a heatresistant material such as aramid, or a penetration resistant materialsuch as aramid or polyethylene for improving the heat and/or penetrationresistance of a fabric or garment made according to the presentinvention. Commercially available types of these heat resistant andpenetration resistant materials are described above.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a body armor vest, or ballistic missileresistant vest, according to one embodiment of the present invention isshown generally as 412. Body armor vest 412 includes the woven energyweapon protection layer of fabric 410 described above and shown in FIG.15 that is formed from plies of staple fibers identical to ply 400 shownin FIGS. 14A and B. Body armor vest 412 includes an outer shell 414,which encloses woven energy protection fabric 410 and armor, orballistic missile resistant material, 416. The energy weapon protectionfabric 410 has an inner surface 410 a that faces a wearer of the vest412 and an outer surface 410 b that faces away from a wearer of thevest. The inner surface 410 a of the fabric 410 is positioned adjacentto the armor 416 and the outer surface 410 b is positioned adjacent tothe outer shell 414. Outer shell 414 preferably has a similarconfiguration as carrier 202 of the body armor vest 200 shown in FIG. 7,and the outer shell 414 may be made from any of the materials describedabove with respect to the carrier 202. Outer shell 414 differs fromcarrier 202 in that there is no layer of fabric joined to the outerlayer of outer shell 414; rather, the energy weapon protection fabric410 of vest 412 is positioned within outer shell 414. Additionally,armor 416 preferably has a similar configuration as armor 204 of thebody armor vest shown in FIG. 7, and the armor 416 may be made from anyof the materials described above with respect to the armor 204.

When used in fabric 410 for vest 412, ply 400 is preferably a single plystrand of staple fibers. The ply 400 for fabric 410 used in vest 412preferably has a length per weight of between approximately 20,000 to30,000 yards per pound, more preferably between approximately 23,000 to27,000 yards per pound, and most preferably between approximately 24,500to 25,500 yards per pound, which corresponds with a cotton count ofapproximately 30 on a scale of 840 yards per pound or a denier ofapproximately 180. The fabric 410 for vest 412 preferably has a densityof between approximately 160 to 200 threads per inch, more preferablybetween approximately 175 to 185 threads per inch, and most preferablyapproximately 180 threads per inch. Preferably, each ply 400 comprisesat least 30% electrically conductive staple fibers and more preferablyat least approximately 40% electrically conductive staple fibers toensure that enough electrically conductive staple fibers are in contactwith each other to effectively conduct the current from an energy weaponwithout harming or incapacitating a wearer of the vest 412. Preferably,each ply 400 comprises at least 30% stainless steel staple fibers, atleast 30% cotton staple fibers, and at least 30% polyester staplefibers, and, more preferably, each ply comprises approximately 33%stainless steel staple fibers, approximately 30% cotton staple fibers,and approximately 37% polyester staple fibers.

Preferably, each ply 400 of fabric 410 for vest 412 has electricallyconductive staple fibers with a length of between approximately 0.4 to 6inches, more preferably between approximately 1 to 4 inches, and mostpreferably between approximately 2 to 3 inches. Preferably, theelectrically conductive staple fibers of each ply 400 for fabric 410have a diameter of between approximately 4 to 20 microns, morepreferably a diameter of between approximately 6 to 15 microns, and mostpreferably a diameter of between approximately 8 to 12 microns. In amost preferred embodiment, 95% of the electrically conductive staplefibers used for fabric 410 have a diameter of between 8 to 12 micronsand a length of between 2 to 3 inches. The ranges for ply length perweight, density, staple fiber length, staple fiber diameter, andpercentage electrically conductive fibers ensure that the vest 412 willconduct the current from an energy weapon thereby preventingincapacitation or harm to the wearer thereof.

Although vest 412 preferably includes a woven energy protection layer offabric 410, the vest 412 may also include an energy protection layer offabric knit from strands containing staple fibers. Further, vest 412 maybe woven or knit from strands of fabric that contain more than one plywhich are twisted or coupled together by any means known in the art. Theenergy protection layer 410 of vest 412 is preferably configured toprotect a wearer of the vest from an energy weapon capable of generatingup to fifty watts of power, more preferably an energy weapon capable ofgenerating between 10 to 50 watts of power, and most preferably anenergy weapon capable of generating between 20 to 50 watts of power. Thefabric 410 may also be used in other types of garments in addition tobody armor vests, such as any of the garments described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, a shirt 600 is shown in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 19,shirt 600 includes two layers of fabric, an outer layer of energy weaponprotection fabric 602 and a non-electrically conductive inner layer offabric 604 that is enclosed by the outer layer 602. The two layers offabric 602 and 604 may be joined by any means known in the art,including stitching. The energy weapon protection fabric 602 of shirt600 is preferably knit from a plurality of strands such as strand 500,which is shown in FIG. 17 and contains three plies identical to ply 400of FIG. 14A. While the fabric 602 may be knit in any pattern, one typeof pattern that the fabric 602 may be knit in is shown in FIG. 12. Asdiscussed above, strands such as strand 500 can be used to make agarment from the knit pattern of FIG. 12 in lieu of strands 306.

Each ply 400 of strand 500 for fabric 602 preferably has a length perweight between approximately 12,000 to 22,000 yards per pound, morepreferably between approximately 15,000 to 19,000 yards per pound, andmost preferably between approximately 16,500 to 17,500 yards per pound,which corresponds with a cotton count of approximately 20 on a scale of840 yards per pound. Each ply 400 also preferably comprises at least 30%electrically conductive staple fibers, more preferably at least 50%electrically conductive staple fibers, and most preferably at least 60%electrically conductive staple fibers to ensure that enough electricallyconductive fibers are in contact with each other to effectively conductthe current from an energy weapon without harming or incapacitating awearer of the shirt 600. Preferably, the electrically conductive staplefibers are stainless steel; however, any type of electrically conductivestaple fibers may be used. Preferably, the non-electrically conductivestaple fibers are cotton; however, any type of non-electricallyconductive staple fibers may be used. In a most preferred embodiment,each ply 400 of the fabric 602 comprises approximately 60% stainlesssteel staple fibers and approximately 40% cotton staple fibers.

Preferably, the knit fabric 602 has a gauge of between approximately 10to 15 and most preferably approximately 13. The knit fabric 602preferably has a needle count of between approximately 65 to 95, andmore preferably between approximately 73 to 88. The needle count usedfor fabric 602 preferably depends on the size of the shirt 600 that isbeing made with the fabric 602. For example, the needle count for anextra small shirt is approximately 73, the needle count for a smallshirt is approximately 78, the needle count for a medium or large shirtis approximately 83, and the needle count for a large or extra largeshirt is approximately 88. Preferably, each ply 400 of each strand 500knit into fabric 602 has electrically conductive staple fibers with alength of between approximately 0.4 to 6 inches, more preferably betweenapproximately 1 to 4 inches, and most preferably between approximately 2to 3 inches. Preferably, the electrically conductive staple fibers ofeach ply 400 for fabric 602 have a diameter of between approximately 4to 20 microns, more preferably a diameter of between approximately 6 to15 microns, and most preferably a diameter of between approximately 8 to12 microns. In a most preferred embodiment, 95% of the electricallyconductive staple fibers used for fabric 602 have a diameter of between8 to 12 microns and a length of between 2 to 3 inches.

Preferably, each strand 500 used to knit fabric 602 of shirt 600 hasthree plies of staple fibers identical to ply 400 as described above. Itis also within the scope of the invention however for each strand 500 tohave more or less than three plies. For example, the fabric 602 may beknit from strands comprising two three-ply strands identical to strand500 that are twisted together.

The non-electrically conductive fabric layer 604 may be made from anymaterial and most preferably is made from cotton, nylon, wool,polyester, polyamide, or aramid. The non-electrically conductive fabriclayer 604 may also be made from a blend of different types of materials.Preferably, the layer 604 comprises a moisture wicking material toimprove comfort to the wearer of shirt 600. The layer 604 also providesprotection to the wearer of shirt 600 by spacing the wearer from theelectrically conductive layer 602 when current flows through it.Preferably, fabric layer 604 is joined with layer 602 to minimize thegaps between the knit strands 500 of fabric 602 if the shirt 600 isstretched. It is important to minimize any gaps between the knit strands500 of fabric 602 to ensure that enough electrically conductive staplefibers of the strands 500 are in contact with or adjacent to each otherto effectively conduct the current from an energy weapon.

The above specified ranges for the gauge, needle count, staple fiberlength, staple fiber diameter, percent electrically conductive material,number of plies per strand and length per weight for each ply alsoensure that the shirt 600 will effectively conduct current from anenergy weapon to protect its wearer from the effects of the energyweapon. In one embodiment, the layer 604 includes some elastic materialsuch as spandex to reduce the gaps between the knit strands 500 of layer602. Although shirt 600 preferably includes a knit energy protectionlayer of fabric 602, the shirt 600 may also include an energy protectionlayer of fabric woven from strands containing staple fibers. The energyprotection layer 602 of shirt 600 is preferably configured to protect awearer of the shirt from an energy weapon capable of generating up tofifty watts of power, more preferably an energy weapon capable ofgenerating between 10 to 50 watts of power, and most preferably anenergy weapon capable of generating between 20 to 50 watts of power. Itis also within the scope of the present invention for layers 602 and 604to be formed into any other type of garment described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21, a glove in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention is shown generally as 700. Glove 700is configured to protect a wearer's hand from the incapacitating effectsof an energy weapon. As shown in FIG. 21, glove 700 includes threelayers of fabric 702, 704, and 706 that are joined together by any meansknown in the art including stitching. Outer layer 702 encloses middlelayer 704, which encloses inner layer 706. The outer layer 702 is madefrom a non-electrically conductive material, while each of the middleand inner layers 704 and 706 comprise some electrically conductivematerial. The middle layer 704 is preferably knit from strands such asstrand 500 shown in FIG. 17. As discussed above strand 500 comprisesthree twisted plies 400 each having electrically and non-electricallyconductive staple fibers. The layer 704 may be knit in any patternincluding the one shown in FIG. 12.

For middle fabric layer 704 of glove 700, each ply 400 of strand 500preferably has a length per weight between approximately 12,000 to22,000 yards per pound, more preferably between approximately 15,000 to19,000 yards per pound, and most preferably between approximately 16,500to 17,500 yards per pound, which corresponds with a cotton count ofapproximately 20 on a scale of 840 yards per pound. Each ply 400 alsopreferably comprises at least 30% electrically conductive staple fibers,more preferably at least 50% electrically conductive staple fibers, andmost preferably at least 60% electrically conductive staple fibers toensure that enough electrically conductive fibers are in contact witheach other to effectively conduct the current from an energy weaponwithout harming or incapacitating a wearer of the glove 700. Preferably,the electrically conductive staple fibers are stainless steel; however,any type of electrically conductive staple fibers may be used.Preferably, the non-electrically conductive staple fibers are cotton;however, any type of non-electrically conductive staple fibers may beused. In a most preferred embodiment, each ply 400 of the fabric 704comprises approximately 60% stainless steel staple fibers andapproximately 40% cotton staple fibers.

Preferably, the knit fabric 704 has a gauge of between approximately 10to 15 and most preferably approximately 13. The knit fabric 704preferably has a needle count of between approximately 65 to 95, andmore preferably between approximately 73 to 88. The needle count usedfor fabric 704 preferably depends on the size of the glove 700 that isbeing made with the fabric 704. For example, the needle count for anextra small glove is approximately 73, the needle count for a smallglove is approximately 78, the needle count for a medium or large gloveis approximately 83, and the needle count for a large or extra largeglove is approximately 88. Preferably, each ply 400 of each strand 500knit into fabric 704 has electrically conductive staple fibers with alength of between approximately 0.4 to 6 inches, more preferably betweenapproximately 1 to 4 inches, and most preferably between approximately 2to 3 inches. Preferably, the electrically conductive staple fibers ofeach ply 400 for fabric 704 have a diameter of between approximately 4to 20 microns, more preferably a diameter of between approximately 6 to15 microns, and most preferably a diameter of between approximately 8 to12 microns. In a most preferred embodiment, 95% of the electricallyconductive staple fibers used for fabric 704 have a diameter of between8 to 12 microns and a length of between 2 to 3 inches.

Preferably, each strand 500 used to knit fabric 704 of glove 700 hasthree plies of staple fibers identical to ply 400 as described above. Itis also within the scope of the invention however for each strand 500 tohave more or less than three plies. For example, the fabric 704 may beknit from strands comprising two three-ply strands identical to strand500 that are twisted together. Although glove 700 preferably includes aknit energy protection layer of fabric 704, the glove 700 may alsoinclude an energy protection layer of fabric woven from strandscontaining staple fibers. The energy protection layer 704 of glove 700is preferably configured to protect a wearer of the glove from an energyweapon capable of generating up to fifty watts of power, more preferablyan energy weapon capable of generating between 10 to 50 watts of power,and most preferably an energy weapon capable of generating between 20 to50 watts of power.

The non-electrically conductive fabric layer 702 may be made from anymaterial and most preferably is made from cotton, nylon, wool,polyester, polyamide, or aramid. The non-electrically conductive fabriclayer 702 may also be made from a blend of different types of materials.Preferably, layer 702 is knit; however, it is within the scope of theinvention for the layer to be woven.

The inner fabric layer 706 preferably comprises electrically conductivematerial like layer 704. Preferably, inner fabric layer 706 comprises atleast 10% electrically conductive material, and more preferablycomprises at least 15% electrically conductive material. Theelectrically conductive material of the inner fabric layer 706 ensuresthat if there is a gap in the electrically conductive staple fibers ofmiddle layer 704 then there is a sufficient amount of electricallyconductive material in contact with each other to effectively conductthe current from an energy weapon to prevent harm or incapacitation tothe wearer thereof. Thus, if there is a gap in the electricallyconductive staple fibers of middle layer 704, current can flow from themiddle layer 704 to the inner layer 706 to bypass the gap and back tothe middle layer 704.

Preferably, the electrically conductive material of inner layer 706 isstainless steel; however, it is within the scope of the invention forthe layer 706 to comprise any type of electrically conductive material.Preferably, the inner layer 706 also comprises elastic material such asspandex which enables the inner layer 706 to stretch and tightly conformto the hand of a person wearing the glove. The inner layer 706 may bewoven from single plies 400 in the same manner as fabric 410 shown inFIG. 15. The inner layer 706 may also be knit from strands such asstrand 500 shown in FIG. 17. The inner layer 706 may be knit with anypattern known in the art including the pattern shown in FIG. 12.Further, it is within the scope of the invention for the inner layer 706to be woven or knit from plies or strands comprising any number oftwisted plies or strands. The inner layer 706 is preferably woven orknit from plies comprising staple fibers of electrically conductive andelastic material, but it may also be woven or knit from plies comprisingcontinuous fibers of electrically conductive and elastic material.

Preferably, the inner, elastic layer 706 is joined with the middle,electrically conductive layer 704 to minimize the gaps between the knitstrands 500 of fabric 704 if the glove 700 is stretched. The elasticmaterial of the layer 706 assists in reducing gaps between the knitstrands 500 of layer 704. It is important to minimize any gaps betweenthe knit strands 500 of fabric 704 to ensure that enough electricallyconductive staple fibers of the strands 500 are in contact with eachother to effectively conduct the current from an energy weapon. Theabove specified ranges for the gauge, needle count, staple fiber length,staple fiber diameter, percent electrically conductive material, numberof plies per strand and length per weight for each ply also ensure thatthe glove 700 will effectively conduct current from an energy weapon toprotect its wearer from the effects of the energy weapon. It is alsowithin the scope of the present invention for layers 702, 704, and 706to be formed into any other type of garment described herein.

In use, the fabric 410, vest 412, strand 500, shirt 600, and glove 700,shown in FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, and 20, respectively, operate in asimilar manner to protect a wearer thereof from an energy weapon asdescribed above for vest 10, fabric 50, vest 200, or glove 300, shown inFIGS. 1, 5, 6, and 11, respectively. The fabric 410, vest 412, fabricmade from strands such as strand 500, shirt 600, and glove 700 are usedto cover a portion of a wearer's body to protect the wearer from anenergy weapon, such as weapon 16 shown in FIG. 1. If the wearer of anyof these garments or fabrics is subjected to a voltage differentialbetween the two leads 38 and 40 (FIG. 3) of the energy weapon, then theelectrically conductive staple fibers 402 of each ply 400 or strand 500making up the garment or fabric 410, 412, 500, 600, and 700 conduct theelectric current flowing from one lead of the energy weapon to the otherlead of the energy weapon. The electric current flows from one lead tothe electrically conductive staple fibers adjacent that lead, through achain of electrically conductive staple fibers in contact with oradjacent to each other in the fabric or garment between the two leads,and to the opposite lead of the energy weapon. Because the combinationof the electrically conductive staple fibers within the fabric 410, vest412, strand 500, shirt 600, and glove 700 has a much lower electricalresistance than a human body, no electric current flows through thewearer of the respective fabric or garment.

Each fabric 410, vest 412, strand 500, shirt 600, and glove 700 alsooperates in the same manner as the vest 10, fabric 50, vest 200, andglove 300 to protect a wearer of the fabric or garment in the situationwhere one barb of an energy weapon contacts or is adjacent to the fabricor garment and the other barb of the energy weapon contacts or isdirectly adjacent to the intended target of the weapon. Additionally,the fabric 410, vest 412, strand 500, shirt 600, and glove 700 whenincluding heat resistant fibers, penetration resistant fibers, or fibersthat promote moisture wicking can protect the wearer thereof from heat,a ballistic missile, a knife, and can provide increased comfort to thewearer in the same manner as described above for vest 10, fabric 50,vest 200, and glove 300.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one welladapted to attain all ends and objectives herein-above set forth,together with the other advantages which are obvious and which areinherent to the invention.

Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention withoutdeparting from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that allmatters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to beinterpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

While specific embodiments have been shown and discussed, variousmodifications may of course be made, and the invention is not limited tothe specific forms or arrangement of parts and steps described herein,except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims.Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinationsare of utility and may be employed without reference to other featuresand subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope ofthe claims.

1. A fabric for protecting a wearer thereof from an energy weapon,comprising: a plurality of coupled strands each of which comprisescoupled staple fibers, said staple fibers comprising at least 30%electrically conductive material.
 2. The fabric of claim 1, wherein saidcoupled strands are knit, each of said strands comprises at least threeplies each comprising at least 50% electrically conductive staplefibers, and each of said plies comprises a length per weight of betweenapproximately 15,000 to 19,000 yards per pound.
 3. The fabric of claim2, wherein each of said plies comprises a length per weight of betweenapproximately 16,500 to 17,500 yards per pound.
 4. The fabric of claim2, wherein said knit strands comprise a gauge of between approximately10 to
 15. 5. The fabric of claim 4, wherein said knit strands comprise agauge of approximately
 13. 6. The fabric of claim 4, wherein said knitstrands comprise a needle count of between approximately 65 to
 95. 7.The fabric of claim 6, wherein said knit strands comprise a needle countof between approximately 73 to
 88. 8. The fabric of claim 2, wherein atleast 60% of said staple fibers of each of said strands comprisestainless steel, and at least 30% of said staple fibers of each of saidstrands comprise cotton.
 9. The fabric of claim 8, wherein at least 95%of said stainless steel staple fibers comprise a diameter of between 8to 12 microns and a length of between 2 to 3 inches.
 10. The fabric ofclaim 1, wherein said coupled strands are woven and each of said strandscomprises a length per weight of between approximately 23,000 to 27,000yards per pound.
 11. The fabric of claim 10, wherein each of saidstrands comprises a length per weight of between approximately 24,500 to25,500 yards per pound.
 12. The fabric of claim 10, wherein said wovenstrands comprise a density of between approximately 160 to 200 threadsper inch.
 13. The fabric of claim 12, wherein said woven strandscomprise a density of between approximately 175 to 185 threads per inch.14. The fabric of claim 10, wherein at least 40% of said staple fiberscomprise stainless steel.
 15. The fabric of claim 10, wherein at least30% of said staple fibers comprise stainless steel, at least 30% of saidstaple fibers comprise cotton, and at least 30% of said staple fiberscomprise polyester.
 16. The fabric of claim 1, wherein a portion of saidstaple fibers is heat resistant.
 17. The fabric of claim 16, wherein aportion of said staple fibers comprises aramid.
 18. The fabric of claim1, wherein a portion of said staple fibers is penetration resistant. 19.The fabric of claim 18, wherein a portion of said staple fiberscomprises aramid.
 20. The fabric of claim 18, wherein a portion of saidstaple fibers comprises polyethylene.
 21. The fabric of claim 1, whereinsaid electrically conductive staple fibers are configured to conduct anelectric current from the energy weapon when the energy weapon isadjacent the fibers.
 22. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the combinationof said electrically conductive staple fibers of each of said strands isconfigured to protect the wearer from the energy weapon when the energyweapon delivers up to fifty watts of power to said strands.
 23. Agarment for protecting a wearer thereof from an energy weapon,comprising: a fabric comprising a plurality of coupled strands each ofwhich comprises coupled staple fibers, said staple fibers comprising atleast 30% electrically conductive material.
 24. The garment of claim 23,wherein said coupled strands are knit, each of said strands comprises atleast three plies each comprising at least 50% electrically conductivestaple fibers, and each of said plies comprises a length per weight ofbetween approximately 15,000 to 19,000 yards per pound.
 25. The garmentof claim 24, wherein said fabric comprises a first layer of fabric, andfurther comprising a second layer of electrically non-conductive fabricjoined with and enclosing said first layer of fabric, and a third layerof fabric joined with and enclosed by said first layer of fabric, saidfirst, second, and third layers configured to protect a hand of thewearer, said third layer comprising at least 10% electrically conductivematerial.
 26. The garment of claim 25, wherein said third layercomprises at least 15% electrically conductive material and at least aportion of elastic material.
 27. The garment of claim 25, wherein eachof said plies comprises a length per weight of between approximately16,500 to 17,500 yards per pound, said knit strands of said first layerof fabric comprise a gauge of between approximately 10 to 15 and aneedle count of between approximately 65 to
 95. 28. The garment of claim24, wherein said fabric comprises a first layer of fabric, and furthercomprising a second non-electrically conductive layer of fabric joinedwith and enclosed by said first layer of fabric, said first and secondlayers configured to protect a torso of the wearer.
 29. The garment ofclaim 28, wherein each of said plies comprises a length per weight ofbetween approximately 16,500 to 17,500 yards per pound, said knitstrands of said first layer of fabric comprise a gauge of betweenapproximately 10 to 15 and a needle count of between approximately 65 to95.
 30. The garment of claim 23, wherein said coupled strands are wovenand each of said strands comprises a length per weight of betweenapproximately 23,000 to 27,000 yards per pound.
 31. The garment of claim30, wherein the garment comprises a ballistic missile resistant vest,said fabric comprises a surface facing the wearer that is positionedadjacent to a layer of ballistic missile resistant material and anothersurface facing away from the wearer that is positioned adjacent to anelectrically non-conductive outer shell.
 32. The garment of claim 31,wherein each of said strands comprises a length per weight of betweenapproximately 24,500 to 25,500 yards per pound, and said woven strandscomprise a density of between approximately 160 to 200 threads per inch.33. The garment of claim 32, wherein at least 30% of said staple fiberscomprise stainless steel, at least 30% of said staple fibers comprisecotton, and at least 30% of said staple fibers comprise polyester.